Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge+

The Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge+ was a significant release from Samsung in 2015. It was essentially a larger version of the Galaxy S6 Edge, boasting a bigger display and a few other enhancements. Positioned as a flagship device, the S6 Edge+ aimed to cater to users who wanted a blend of performance, design, and a larger screen real estate. Here’s an in-depth review of the Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge+:

Overview:

The Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge+ was designed to capitalize on the success of the Galaxy S6 Edge. It combined Samsung’s innovative edge display technology with a larger screen, making it a direct competitor to other “phablet” devices in the market.

Features:

Operating System: Initially shipped with Android 5.1.1 (Lollipop), with subsequent updates available.
Display: 5.7-inch Quad HD Super AMOLED with a resolution of 1440 x 2560 pixels, featuring dual curved edges.
Processor: Samsung Exynos 7420 Octa-core.
Memory: Options of 4 GB RAM with 32/64 GB internal storage (non-expandable).
Camera: 16 MP rear sensor with an f/1.9 aperture, optical image stabilization, and a 5 MP front camera.
Battery: A 3000 mAh non-removable battery with fast charging and wireless charging capabilities.
Other Features: Fingerprint sensor, Samsung Pay, and heart rate monitor.

Pros:

Design: The dual curved edges combined with a metal and glass design made the S6 Edge+ one of the most aesthetically pleasing devices of its time.
Performance: The Exynos 7420, combined with 4 GB of RAM, ensured smooth and snappy performance.
Display: The 5.7-inch Quad HD Super AMOLED display was vibrant, sharp, and offered deep blacks and excellent contrast ratios.
Camera: The 16 MP camera was capable of capturing detailed and vibrant images, especially in well-lit conditions.

Cons:

Battery Life: While the 3000 mAh battery was decent, it wasn’t exceptional, especially given the large Quad HD display.
No Expandable Storage: Unlike previous Samsung flagships, the S6 Edge+ did not offer a microSD card slot, which was a drawback for some users.
Price: Being a flagship device with unique design elements, the S6 Edge+ came with a premium price tag.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In its price bracket, the S6 Edge+ faced competition from:

iPhone 6s Plus: Offering a 5.5-inch Full HD display, Apple’s A9 chip, and a focus on ecosystem and software experience.
Sony Xperia Z5 Premium: With its 5.5-inch 4K UHD display and a focus on camera capabilities.
LG V10: Featuring a 5.7-inch Quad HD display, secondary ticker display, and a focus on multimedia capabilities.

Launch Date:

The Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge+ was announced in August 2015 and released later the same month.

Common Issues/Problems:

Battery Degradation: Over time, some users reported that the battery life deteriorated faster than expected.
Overheating: Some users experienced overheating issues, especially during extended camera usage or while charging.
Edge Screen Accidental Touches: The curved edges, while aesthetically pleasing, sometimes led to accidental touches.

Conclusion:

The Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge+ was a testament to Samsung’s design and innovation capabilities. It offered a unique blend of aesthetics, performance, and features. While it had its strengths, especially in terms of design and display, it also had certain drawbacks like the lack of expandable storage and some battery concerns. For users who wanted a blend of design and performance, the S6 Edge+ was a strong contender in the premium smartphone segment. However, its premium price meant that it had to compete with other top-tier devices that also brought strong features to the table.